Launch of the start-up launchpad

Minister Martina opened registration for ‘Start up Launchpad’ at the Ministry of Economic Development on September 21, 2017.

Since then, entrepreneurs can apply for the ‘Start up Launchpad’. Through this program, start ups will receive support and will be able to invest in their companies through ‘knowledge’, ‘technology’ and ‘support’ vouchers. The program consists of 4 rounds of intensive coaching and support. Each round will be concluded with a ‘pitch competition’, determining who will continue to the next round. Through the course of the program, the final winner of the last round will have accumulated up to over ANG. 50.000 in support, technology and knowledge vouchers.

Participants need to have products or services in the start up stage that contribute to the development of Curacao into a ‘Smart’ island.

The deadline for application is October 19, 2017 after which CITI and members of the jury will select the participants. The participants will be announced on November 1, 2017 at the Kick-off event of Round 1. This first round will have a duration of one month.